With the All-Star Game coming to an end, the 2018 NBA All-Star Game had also concluded.
Every team had at least four days of rest after the All-Star Game.
Just like last year, this period was a rare break for the players, but also the busiest stretch of the season for each team's general manager.
Among the reforms Xiao Hua made after returning, the Trade Deadline would be moved ahead of the All-Star Game starting next season.
But this season, it was still after the All-Star Game—specifically, the third day after it, February 22.
In fact, just like previous years, stars recruited one another during the All-Star Game, and rumors flew everywhere.
There had even been an absurd rumor that James and Durant intended to play together.
Most fans remained fairly calm, though. If the news did not come from Woj or Shams, they basically did not believe it.
However, one rumor had been reported by journalists from all sides, and its likelihood was steadily growing.
The Knicks had suffered terrible luck this season. First, Howard had been ruled out before the season even began, then Wall tore his Achilles before the All-Star Game.
Fans on social media discussed it heatedly, saying that Dolan had done so many bad things that his sins had finally caught up with him, and the Knicks' retribution had arrived.
Although that sort of baseless talk was limited to post-meal conversation, the Knicks' situation really was rather miserable.
Both All-Stars on the team had been lost for the season, leaving Anthony to struggle on alone.
As a result, Anthony's Playing Time had soared, and his already injured knee was affecting him more and more.
His Shooting Percentage had already fallen to 42% before the All-Star Game, and it was foreseeable that the number would continue